Water shortage hits Keller area, locals stage protest
Pulwama: The residents of Ringward area of Keller in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday staged a protest against Jal Shakti department for failing to provide potable water in the area.
Amid soaring temperature, the residents including children and women blocked the main road for hours and demanded regular supply of potable water to the area.
The protestors said that Ringward which comprises of over 200 households is facing drinking water shortage but no action is being initiated by the officials to address this issue.
“Amid soaring temperature, we are forced to visit other areas to fetch drinking water and we don’t have even water to wash our clothes and utensils,” they said.
They accused the authorities of ignoring their plight from last several years.
“We have been moving from pillar to post since last several years to get the issue redressed but on ground nothing has been done as of now,” said a protestor.
He said that they were assured by political leaders, administrators and higher ups several times but their assurances proved a mere hoax.
Another protestor said that they were receiving one hour water supply on daily basis, however, from last 20 days the supply has dried up.
Locals said that by consuming contaminated water, several people from the area have been facing health issues.
They said that despite knowing our sufferings, authorities are giving a deaf ear to our repeated pleas.
The protest continued for hours and was called off after some official visited the spot and pacified them by assuring that the issue will be redressed soon.
Jahangeer Ganaie
